Boys Need to be More Focused – PM

Prime Minister Bruce Golding said something will have to be done to capture the attention of boys and make them more focused in the classroom. His comments were made as finalists in the National Spelling Bee Competition paid him a courtesy call at Jamaica House on Thursday (Feb. 7). Only five of the fourteen parish finalists are boys.
Mr. Golding said that on some of his visits to educational institutions, while the girls are usually reading, writing or doing something related to their academic studies, the boys oftentimes appear distracted with a few, “looking through the window.”
He had high praises for the finalists, especially champion speller Sade Dunbar of Immaculate High School, and the second and third place finalists Janielle Walters and Jordi Dunbar, of Glenmuir High and Spanish Town Primary respectively. The champion and third place finalist are siblings.
Mr. Golding congratulated the coaches for their roles in the development of the spellers and lauded the Gleaner Company for its 49-year sponsorship of the competition. His sentiments were echoed by Minister of Education Andrew Holness who also commended Rev Glen Archer who coached the first and third place finalists. Rev. Archer has coached 21 national champions, 12 of whom are girls.
The parish finalists were presented with gifts by the Prime Minister. He was joined by Minister of Information, Youth Culture and Sport, Olivia Grange and Minister of Education, Andrew Holness.